Dual-Function Bis-Tetraphenylethenes for Selective Metal Ion and Glutathione Detection and Current Transformer Application

This study reports the synthesis of bis-substituted tetraphenylethenes (TPEs) and the investigation of their photophysical and photochemical properties. Utilizing the aggregation-induced emission characteristic of TPEs, this study demonstrates that BPh-TPE and BRh-TPE function as “turn-off” fluorescent sensors for detecting Cu2+ and Hg2+/Ag+, respectively, exhibiting quenched fluorescence in the presence of these ions. The limits of detection (LODs) for Cu2+, Hg2+, and Ag+ are determined to be 299, 522 nM, and 1.58 μM, respectively. Interestingly, the probes also show “turn-on” fluorescence upon the addition of glutathione (GSH) in the presence of Cu2+ or Hg2+. Specifically, the LOD for GSH using the BPh-TPE-Cu2+ complex is 457 nM. Practical applicability is confirmed via visual color changes on filter paper and in water samples. These findings highlight the potential of these TPE derivatives for detecting copper, mercury, silver ions, and GSH in environmental water. Additionally, Al/organic layer/p-Si heterojunction devices incorporating spin-coated TPE layers are fabricated. Their electrical behaviors are analyzed through current-voltage and current-time measurements under varying light conditions. Transient photocurrent analysis indicates strong photoresponse, supporting their suitability for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications.